On Friday 17 April 2015, a dinner was held in the Edgarian hall presided by His Grace Bishop Haigazoun Najarian to welcome newly-arrived Armenian families from Syria and Iraq into the community and in the fold of the Armenian Apostolic Church. More than 120 guests filled the room and were joined by Church councillors, ladies auxiliary and ancillary body members who hosted the dinner.
Reverend Father Avetis Hambardzumyan opened the evening with sentiments of welcome and Mrs Zepur Mouradian provided a comprehensive outline of the role undertaken on behalf of the Diocese and Church in the visa process and obligations as a recognised Sponsoring Organisation by the Department of Immigration. Mrs Mouradian also explained the continuing efforts to secure visa opportunities for further migration of Syrian/Iraqi-Armenians.
An evening of good cheer pursued with new and old acquaintances rekindled between the families. Following a photo shoot in the nave of the Church the gathering continued outside with conversations flowing on foot under the stars of a clear, night sky.